Mount system for handheld electrical device

ABSTRACT

A cradle for a handheld electrical device comprises a base constructed to support the device such that the device can be freely placed on and removed from the base. At least one arm is operatively connected to the base for movement relative to the base and the device. An actuator moves the arm between a release position wherein the arm is spaced from the device, allowing the device to be freely removed from and placed on the base, and a hold position wherein the arm engages and holds the device in the cradle. The cradle is adapted for attachment to an object in a first orientation on a right-hand side of the object and in a second orientation on a left-hand side of the object. The cradle is arranged to hold the device in an upright position in both orientations.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to devices that support and holdequipment and more particularly to a mount system for holding handheldelectrical devices.

Handheld electrical devices, such as handheld computers (e.g., datacollectors, PDAs, Blackberrys™) and cellular phones, are widely used andhave many applications. For example, many land surveyors use handheldelectrical data collectors to record and store field measurements,perform calculations, verify data accuracy, and even generate plots.Data collectors equipped for surveying can be connected directly tosurveying equipment (e.g., a total station) for recording data and thento a PC or notebook computer for transferring the data from the datacollector. Thus, data collectors allow surveyors to quickly, easily, andaccurately collect surveying data and transfer it to a PC or notebookcomputer.

During a survey of land, the data collector is commonly supported by aholder mounted to a surveying pole or tripod. One difficulty withmounting the holder directly to the surveying pole or tripod is thatsurveying implements, once positioned to collect survey data, oftencannot be disturbed without compromising the accuracy of the survey. Asa result, the surveyor needs to exercise care when using the datacollector not to disturb the positioning of the pole or tripod.

Conventional holders typically include a support for supporting the datacollector, and a clamp for clamping the support to surveying pole ortripod. In some cases, the support is merely a rest without any positiveconnection between the support and the data collector. This allows thedata collector to be placed into and removed from the holder withminimum effort and minimum potential for disturbing the placement of thesurveying pole or tripod. This is helpful, for example, when thesurveyor is manually entering surveying data or descriptions of surveyedlocations. Since there is no positive connection between the support andthe data collector, the device must be removed from the support beforemoving the pole or tripod otherwise the data collector will fall fromthe support and be damaged. Requiring the data collector to be carriedseparately is highly inconvenient for surveyors who may work in remotelocations and manually transport their equipment.

In other cases, the support does positively connect to the datacollector to securely hold the data collector in the support. While thisarrangement prevents the data collector from falling from the support,it is difficult to manually enter survey data or descriptions ofsurveyed locations since the data collector cannot be simply picked upoff the support. Moreover, the act of connecting the data collector tothe support typically requires discontinuous motion, such as turning ascrew knob, which may result in undesired vibration or movement of thetripod or pole thereby compromising accuracy of the survey.

In addition, the angle at which the support holds the data collectorgreatly affects the ability of the data collector to be used or viewed.Factors such as the height of the pole (or tripod), the location on thepole where the data collector is clamped, the height of the surveyor,and the angle of the sun all affect the ease of use and visibility ofthe data collector. Accordingly, some prior art holders allow thesurveyor to adjust the angle at which the data collector is supported.To do so, however, the connection between the prior art supports andclamps needs to be released or loosened, the support adjusted to thedesired angle, and the connection between the support and clampreestablished. Thus, this is a somewhat time consuming process thatrequires two hands and could easily result in the undesired movement ofthe pole or tripod.

Conventional holders are also made for either right-handed users orleft-handed users. In other words, the holder will retain the datacollector in an upright, forward facing position only when projecting toone side of the pole or tripod (from the vantage of a person facing thepole or tripod). As a result, left-handed surveyors typically have toreach across their bodies to manipulate the data collector. This isparticularly inconvenient when they must simultaneously hold the pole.

Moreover, conventional clamps of the holders resemble C-clamps with acoupling for connecting the support thereto. These types of clampingdevices have a screw with a screw knob for tightening and loosening ajaw of the clamp. The jaw and anvil of the clamp may make only point orline contact with the pole or tripod. The small area of contact requiresthe jaw to press hard against the pole to secure the holder in place.Another adverse effect of the small area of contact is that the clamp isstill unstable. Moreover, the screw and screw knob arrangement is proneto overtightening. Thus, this arrangement can cause irreparable damageto poles or tripods by repeated tightening (or overtightening) of theclamp to the same position on the pole.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Generally, a cradle for a handheld electrical device having a front, aback, a bottom, a top and sides comprises a base constructed to supportthe device at an angle free of connection to the base such that thedevice can be freely placed on and removed from the base. At least onearm is operatively connected to the base for movement relative to thebase and the device when supported on the base. An actuator moves thearm relative to the base between a release position wherein the arm isspaced from the device, allowing the device to be freely removed fromand placed on the base, and a hold position wherein the arm is closer tothe device for engaging and holding the device in the cradle.

In another aspect of the present invention, a utility mount forsupporting a handheld electrical device on an object comprises a holdersized and shaped for holding the device, and an attachment device forsecuring the holder on an object. A connector connects the holder to theattachment device. The holder is adapted for releasable attachment tothe connector in a first orientation in which the holder is arranged tohold the object in an upright position on a right-hand side of theobject for direct access by a right-hand and for releasable attachmentto the connector in a second orientation different from the firstorientation in an upright position on a left-hand side of the object fordirect access by a left hand.

Other objects and features of the present invention will be in partapparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective of a mount system of the present invention forholding a data collector;

FIG. 2 is a perspective of the mount system attached to a portion of ageomatics pole for use by a left-handed user;

FIG. 3 is a perspective of the mount system attached to a leg portion ofa tripod for use by a right-handed user;

FIG. 4 is a perspective of the mount system supporting the datacollector in a hold position;

FIG. 5 is a perspective of the mount system supporting the datacollector in a release position;

FIG. 6 is a perspective of a cradle of the mount system and the datacollector exploded from the cradle;

FIG. 7 is a perspective of the cradle supporting the data collector inthe hold position;

FIG. 8 is a perspective of a back of the cradle and data collector;

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective of the cradle showing a base, anactuator, arms, and a back cover of the cradle;

FIG. 10 is a perspective of a front of the base;

FIG. 11 is a perspective of a back of the base;

FIG. 12A is a perspective of one of the arms of the cradle showing aninner surface;

FIG. 12B is a perspective of one of the arms showing an outer surface;

FIG. 13 is a perspective of a front of the actuator;

FIG. 14 is a perspective of a back of the actuator;

FIG. 15 is a an elevation of a front of the back cover;

FIG. 16 is a perspective of a back of the back cover;

FIG. 17 is an elevation of the cradle holding the data collector withthe back cover removed and the arms shown in phantom in the releaseposition;

FIG. 18 is an elevation similar to FIG. 17 with the arms shown inphantom in the hold position;

FIG. 19 is a perspective of the back cover of the cradle partially slidinto a male component of a coupler of the mount system;

FIG. 20 is a perspective of the coupler and a clamp of the mount system;

FIG. 21 is a perspective of the male component of the coupler;

FIG. 22 is an exploded perspective of the male component with a portionof a shaft of the male component being broken away to show an internalring;

FIG. 23 is a perspective of a female component showing an interiorchamber;

FIG. 24A is a perspective of a catch of the female component;

FIG. 24B is a perspective of the catch sliding over a beveled edge ofthe male component with a portion of the male component being brokenaway;

FIG. 24C is a perspective similar to FIG. 24B except that the catch isengaged with a groove in the male component;

FIG. 25A is an elevation of a back end of the female component showingthe catch with tabs projecting into the interior chamber;

FIG. 25B is an elevation similar to FIG. 25A but with the catch deformedcausing the tabs to move substantially out of the interior chamber ofthe female component;

FIG. 26A is an elevation of the male and female components in an engagedposition wherein relative rotation of the components is inhibited;

FIG. 26B is a section taken along line 26B-26B of FIG. 26A;

FIG. 27A is an elevation of the male and female components in an engagedposition wherein relative rotation of the components is allowed;

FIG. 27B is a section taken along line 27B-27B of FIG. 27A;

FIG. 28 is a perspective of the female component of the coupler attachedto the clamp showing the interior chamber of the female component;

FIG. 29 is a perspective of the female component of the coupler attachedto the clamp;

FIG. 30 is an exploded perspective of the clamp;

FIG. 31A is a perspective of a jaw member of the clamp showing anengagement surface;

FIG. 31B is a section taken along line 31B-31B of FIG. 31A;

FIG. 32 is a perspective of a threaded driver for the jaw member;

FIG. 33 is an exploded perspective of the driver;

FIG. 34 is a perspective of first and second clutch elements of thedriver interlocked for conjoint rotation;

FIG. 35 is a section taken along line 35-35 of FIG. 34 showing teeth ofthe first and second clutch elements drivingly engaged;

FIG. 36 is a perspective of the first and second clutch elements in arelease position in which the second clutch element rotates relative tothe first clutch element; and

FIG. 37 is a section taken along line 37-37 of FIG. 36 showing the teethof the second clutch element passing over the teeth of the first clutchelement.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, and in particular to FIGS. 1-5, ahandheld electrical device mount system of the present invention,generally indicated at 10, is shown. The mount system 10 includes acradle 12 (broadly, “holder”) for supporting an electrical device suchas data collector D, a clamp 14 for securing the cradle to an object,and a coupler 16 connecting the cradle to the clamp (the numbersdesignating their subjects generally). The mount system 10 is shownattached to a geomatics pole G (FIG. 2) and a tripod T (FIG. 3). Detailsof a suitable geomatics pole and a suitable tripod (broadly, “geomaticssupports”) can be found in co-assigned U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,772,526 and6,685,566, respectively, which are incorporated herein by reference intheir entireties. As used herein “geomatics” is intended to encompasssurveying and geographic positioning.

The mount system 10 can be attached to objects other than geomaticspoles, tripods, or other geomatics equipment without departing from thescope of this invention. For example, some embodiments (not shown) ofthe present invention can be mounted to the handlebars of a vehicle(e.g., an all terrain vehicle) or to the dashboard of a passengervehicle (e.g., car, truck, van). In addition, the mounting system 10 canbe attached to the object using attachment devices other than the clamp14. For example, in the embodiment of the mounting system adapted to bemounted to the dashboard of a passenger vehicle, the attachment devicecould be a flange having fastening holes for directly fastening theattachment device to the object. In the embodiment of the mountingsystem adapted to be mounted to handlebars, the attachment device couldbe a U-bolt.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, the mount system 10 of the presentinvention is shown supporting the data collector D. The illustrated datacollector D is a handheld computer available from Tripod Data Systems,Inc. of Corvallis, Oreg., U.S.A. under the product name Ranger™. TheRanger™ data collector has a generally hourglass shape to facilitateholding of the data collector in one hand. The data collector has aplastic housing H with a front F, a back B, a bottom M, a top P and twoopposed sides S. The front F of the data collector D has a display Y anda keypad K for entering data and commands. The top P of the datacollector D is equipped with standard ports (not shown) for connectingthe data collector to geomatics equipment, a PC, or a notebook computer.Although the present invention is particularly useful with surveying andgeographic positioning equipment, it is not limited to suchapplications. The invention is envisioned as being useful to supporthandheld electrical devices having no relation to surveying orgeographic positioning. The handheld electrical device can be one otherthan a data collector, such as a cellular phone, PDA or Blackberry™, andcan have configurations other than the one illustrated, such asrectangular or T-shaped. The present invention also has application tonon-electrical devices. As used herein, “auxiliary devices” and“auxiliary components” include both electrical and non-electricaldevices.

With reference to FIGS. 6-9, the cradle 12 is constructed to support thedata collector D and comprises a base 18 for receiving the datacollector and a pair of arms 20 disposed with respect to the base and toeach other such that the arms are adjacent opposite sides of the datacollector when the data collector is placed on the base. The cradle 12also includes an actuator 22 (FIG. 9) for moving the arms 20 relative tothe base 18 between a release position in which the arms are spacedapart a first distance L1 allowing the data collector D to be freelyremoved from and placed on the base (FIG. 5), and a hold position inwhich the arms are spaced apart a second distance L2 smaller than thefirst distance for holding the data collector in the cradle (FIGS. 4 and7). As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the cradle 12 further includes a backcover 24 for maintaining the actuator 22 and the arms 20 in relationwith the base 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the back cover 24 alsoconstitutes a second connector element 26, as will be explainedhereinafter.

Now referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the base 18 of the cradle 12 has alongitudinal axis X, a transverse axis Z, a front 28, and a back 30. Thefront 28 of the base 18 includes a peripheral retainer projectingoutwardly from the base for supporting the bottom M and sides S of thedata collector D to restrain the data collector from lateral movementwith respect to the base. The illustrated retainer is discontinuous andcomprises a bottom flange 32 and two pair of opposing side flanges 34,36. One pair of side flanges 34 are generally adjacent the bottom flange32 and extend generally parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the base18. The other pair of side flanges 36 are positioned adjacent the top ofthe base 18 and have generally L-shape configurations. It is understoodthat the flanges can be continuous or have other arrangements. Forexample, the bottom flange and the side flanges adjacent thereto couldbe formed as a single piece.

The front 28 of the base 18 also includes an engagement surface adaptedto engage the back of the data collector D when the data collector isplaced in the cradle. In the illustrated embodiment, the engagementsurface comprises four, spaced apart raised portions 38. Each of theraised portions 38 is proximate to one of the side flanges 34, 36. Theraised portions 38 proximate the straight side flanges 34 each have agenerally rectangular shape whereas the raised portions adjacent theL-shaped side flanges 36 are also generally L-shaped. The raisedportions 38 provide spacing between the majority of the front 28 of thebase 18 and the data collector D, which facilitates removal of the datacollector from the cradle 12 or placement of the data collector on thecradle.

The back 30 of the base 18 as shown in FIG. 11 has a pair of upperstandoffs 40 and a pair of lower standoffs 42. The upper standoffs 40are positioned adjacent the top of the base 18 and have fastener holes44 therein for receiving fasteners 46 (FIG. 9), such as screws, forsecuring the back cover 24 to the base. Referring again to FIG. 11,surrounding each fastener hole 44 in the upper standoffs is an annularrecess portion 48 (like a counterbore) for aligning with and receiving afirst pair of alignment tabs 50 located on the back cover (FIG. 15).With reference again to FIG. 11, the lower standoffs 42 are locatedadjacent opposite sides of the base 18 at approximately the longitudinalcenter of the base. The lower standoffs 42 are elongate and have fourapertures therein. Two of the apertures (i.e., the upper aperture 52 andthe lower aperture 54) on each of the lower standoffs 42 are forreceiving fasteners 46 (e.g., screws) for securing the back cover 24 tothe base. Another one of the apertures 56 in the lower standoffs 42 isfor receiving one of a second pair of alignment tabs 58 positioned onthe back cover 24 for aligning the back cover with the base 18 (FIG.15). The final aperture 60 is just for material reduction purposes.

With reference to FIGS. 12A and 12B, each of the arms 20 has an innersurface 62, an outer surface 64, a finger 66 extending outwardly fromone end of the arm and a slide portion 68 at the opposite end of thearm. The arms 20 are mirror images of each other and therefore only oneof the arms will be described. The arm 20 is contoured to match theshape and size of the respective side S of the data collector D to whichit is designed to engage. As illustrated, the slide portion 68 has aprotuberance 70, 72 located on each of the inner and outer surfaces 62,64. The protuberance 70 located on the inner surface 62 is adapted toslidingly engage the actuator 22, and the protuberance 72 located on theouter surface 64 is adapted to slidingly engage back cover 24. Theprotuberance 72 on the outer surface 64 extends parallel to alongitudinal plane of the finger 66 (FIG. 12B). The protuberance 70 onthe inner surface 62, however, is disposed at an angle with respect to alongitudinal plane of the finger (FIG. 12A). The protuberances 70, 72and their interactions with actuator 22 and back cover 24 are describedin further detail below.

The arms 20 of the cradle 12 are shaped and arranged so that in therelease position neither of the fingers 66 is located in opposedrelation with the front F or back B of the data collector D (FIG. 5),and in the hold position the fingers 66 are disposed in a positionopposite to the front of the data collector (FIG. 4). As shown, thefingers 66 each project toward the finger of the opposite arm 20 and areadapted to extend over and engage the front of the data collector D whenthe cradle 12 is in its hold position to firmly hold the data collectorin the cradle. Thus, the data collector D, when properly placed in thecradle 12, can be supported by the cradle at any position includingupside down without the data collector falling from the cradle. As aresult, the location of a geomatics support with the cradle 12 mountedthereto can be changed with the data collector D placed in the cradlewithout the data collector falling from the cradle and being damaged.The arms 20 may release hold of the data collector D so that it can beremoved and replaced from the cradle 12 without disturbing the geomaticssupport.

Referring now to FIGS. 13 and 14, the actuator 22 of the cradle 12comprises a generally cruciform plate 74 adapted to move longitudinallywith respect to the base 18 to move the arms 20 between the hold andrelease positions. The cruciform plate 74 has ears 76 projectinglaterally from opposite sides of the plate. The portion of the plate 74above the opposing ears 76 is slightly narrower than the portion of theplate below the ears. The actuator 22 further comprises a handle 78attached to the plate 74 for facilitating moving the plate. The handle78 is formed as a one-piece unit with the plate 74 and extends outwardlyfrom the plate to a position where the handle can be easily gripped. Afree end of the handle 78 is formed with a lip 80 to increase theability of the handle to be gripped.

The front of the plate 74 is adapted for being placed in face-to-facerelation with the back 30 of the base 18 such that the portion of theplate below the ears 76 is disposed between the pair of lower standoffs42 (see, FIG. 17). The front of the plate 74 and the back 30 of the base18 have generally flat, smooth engaging surfaces for allowing the plateto slide along the longitudinal axis X of the base from an extendedposition and a retracted position. In the extended position, a lowerlateral edge 82 of each of the plate ears 76 contacts and is stopped bythe pair of lower standoffs 42 on the base 18 (see, FIG. 18).Positioning the plate 74 in its extended position moves the arms 20 totheir release position as explained in greater detail below. In theretracted position, an upper lateral edge 84 of each of the plate ears76 contacts and is stopped by the pair of upper standoffs 40 on the base18. The portion of the plate 74 above the ears 76 is disposed betweenthe upper standoffs 40 in this position. The portion of the plate 74below the ears 76 remains between the pair of lower standoffs 42. Thelower standoffs 42 also provide a longitudinal guide for moving theplate 74 between its retracted and extended positions. Positioning theplate 74 in its retracted position, moves the arms 20 to their holdposition, as is also explained in greater detail below.

The back of the plate 74 as shown in FIG. 14 has three channels therein.Two of the channels 86 are sized and shaped for receiving theprotuberances 70 on the inner surfaces 62 of the arms 20 (FIG. 12A). Thechannels 86 are angled with respect to a longitudinal plane of the platesuch that as the plate 74 is moved longitudinally with respect to thebase 18 between its extended and retracted positions, the protuberances70 of the arms 20 slide in the channels causing the arms to movelaterally with respect to the base between their hold and releasepositions (FIG. 14). The third channel 88 is positioned near the topedge of the plate 74 and is adapted for receiving a projection 90positioned on the back cover 24 (FIG. 15). The third channel 88 in theback of the plate 74 and the projection 90 on the back cover 24 providean alignment guide for the plate as the plate is move between theextended and retracted positions. The projection 90 in combination withthe back cover 24 secure the actuator 22 to the base 18.

Referring still to FIGS. 14 and 15, a wedge 92 on the back of the plate74 cooperates with a resilient lower clasp 94 on the back cover 24 toreleasably hold the plate in both the extended and retracted positionscorresponding to the release position and hold position, respectively,of the arms 20. During movement of the plate 74 from its extendedposition to its retracted position, the clasp 94 slides up an inclinedtop surface of the wedge 92 until a lip 96 on the clasp extends past thesurface of the wedge. At this point, the clasp 94 snaps downward suchthat the lip 96 extends below the top surface of the wedge 92 therebyholding the plate 74 in the retracted position. To move the plate 74from the retracted position to extended position, the plate is pulled(slid axially downward) with sufficient force to cause the clasp 94 todeflect upward thereby releasing the lip 96 from the wedge 92. The plate74 can be moved until the lip 96 passes off of the top surface of thewedge 92 and is positioned on the opposite side of the wedge thereby tohold the plate in the extended position.

Referring now to FIGS. 15 and 16, the back cover 24 of the cradle 12,which maintains the actuator 22 and the arms 20 in relation with thebase 18 of the cradle, is shown. As stated previously, the back cover 24is fastened to the back 30 of the base 18 using fasteners 46 (FIG. 9).Accordingly, the back cover 24 has six countersunk fastening holes 98for receiving fasteners 46 (FIG. 16). Two of the fastening holes 98align with the fastening holes 44 in the upper standoffs 40 of the base18 and the other four fastening holes 98 align with the fastening holes52, 54 in the lower standoffs 42 of the base (see FIGS. 11 and 15). Theback cover 24 also has six alignment tabs for aligning the back coverwith the base 18. As described above, first and second pairs ofalignment tabs 50, 58 align with and engage the upper and lowerstandoffs 40, 42 of the base 18, respectively. A third pair of alignmenttabs 100 align with and engage interior sides of the lower standoffs 42of the base 18. The third pair of alignment tabs 100 not only align thebase 18 and the back cover 24 but also provide a guide to the plate 74of the actuator 22 to inhibit the actuator from tilting away from thebase and to thereby maintain the plate in face-to-face relationship withthe back 30 of the base. Moreover, the back cover 24 also has twoalignment portions 102, 104 for aligning with the upper and lowerstandoffs 40, 42 on the base 18, respectively. The tabs 50, 58 andstandoffs 40, 42 operate to form a space between the base 18 and theback cover 24 in which portions of the arms 20 and actuator 22 areslidably received. The back cover 24 also includes a laterally extendinggroove 106 (FIG. 15) for receiving the protuberances 72 on the outersurfaces 64 of the arms 20 (FIG. 12B).

The groove 106 and projections 72 cooperate to mount the arms 20 on thecradle 12 and inhibit movement of the arms longitudinally with respectto the actuator 22 as the arms are moved between their hold and releasepositions. Thus, as the actuator 22 is moved between its extended andretracted positions, the protuberances 70 on the inner surface 70 of thearms 20 slid within the angled channels 86 in the plate 74 of theactuator thereby moving the arms laterally away from or toward thelongitudinal axis X of the base 18 (FIGS. 17 and 18). In addition, theprotuberances 72 on the outer surface 64 of the arms 20 slide with thegroove 106 in the back cover 24 which maintains the longitudinalposition of the arms with respect to the base 18.

As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the back cover 24 also includes shoulders108 extending longitudinally along the peripheral edges of the backcover. In addition, the back cover 24 has an upper clasp 110 with a lip112 capable of resilient deflection similar to the lower clasp 94described above. These features of the back cover 24 (or “secondconnector element”) allow the cradle 12 to connect to a first connectorelement of the coupler 16, as illustrated in FIG. 19 and described inmore detail below.

In use, movement of the actuator 22 of the cradle 12 causes the arms 20to move in a direction generally orthogonal to the movement of theactuator thereby to move the arms between the release and hold positions(FIGS. 17 and 18). Since the actuator 22 is movable linearly along thelongitudinal axis X of the base 18, the arms 20 move in directions thatare transverse to the base. As a result, pushing the actuator 22 upwardwith respect to the longitudinal axis X of the base 18 causes the arms20 move closer together (FIG. 18) and pulling the actuator downward withrespect to the longitudinal axis of the base causes the arms to moveapart (FIG. 17). Because the actuator 22 is easy to use, the datacollector D can be placed on or removed from the cradle 12 while thecradle is mounted to a geomatics pole G or tripod T without compromisingthe positioning of the pole or tripod. Moreover, the actuator 22 can bemoved between its extended and retracted positions using only one hand.

With reference to FIGS. 20-22, the coupler 16, which attaches the cradle12 to the clamp 14, comprises a male component, indicated at 116, and afemale component, indicated at 118. The male component 116 as shown inFIGS. 19 and 20 includes a shallow channel 120 (broadly, “a firstconnector element”) and a housing 122 formed on one side of the channel.A cylindrical stem 124 having first and second ends 126, 128 extendsoutwardly from the housing 122 (FIG. 21). The first end 126 of the stem124 is connected to the housing 122 and has a plurality of detents 130in spaced relation positioned around the circumference of the stem. Apassage 132 extends through the stem 124 from the first end 126 to thesecond end 128 (FIG. 22). The passage 132 is divided by an interior ring134 into an inward portion 136 and an outward portion 138 (see, FIG.26B). The stem 124 illustrated in FIG. 22 is partially broken away toshow the interior ring 134. A plug 140 includes a cylinder 142 having aclosed end 144, an open end 146, and a post 148 affixed to the closedend. The post 148 of the plug 140 extends out of the cylinder 142 andhas a free end with a centrally positioned fastener hole 152. The plug140 is positioned in the inward portion 136 of the passage 132. A spring154 is received in the cylinder 142 around the post 148 and engages theinterior ring 134 to bias the plug in a direction away from the interiorring. A double walled sleeve 156 having a peripheral rim 158 at one endis adapted for being received in the outward portion 138 of the passage132. The sleeve 156 has a passageway 160 and a countersink 162 forreceiving a fastener 164 for connecting the sleeve to the post 148 sothat the plug 140 and sleeve move conjointly. The fastener 164 extendsthrough the sleeve 156, the interior ring 134 in the stem passage 132,and into the fastening hole 152 in the post 148. A head 166 of thefastener 166 and a washer 168 are fully received in the countersink 162.The rim 158 of the sleeve 156 is axially spaced from the second end 128of the stem 124 such that an annular groove 170 is formed by the sleeve156 and the stem 124. The portions of the male component 116 extendingoutwardly from the housing 122 are collectively referred to herein as ashaft.

The channel 120 (or first connector element) of the male component 116has a web 172 and first and second side walls 174 at opposite sides ofthe web. As shown in FIG. 21, the first and second side walls 174 eachhave an in-turned lip 176 at its free edge extending generally towardthe other sidewall and lip, and generally parallel to the web 142. Theback cover 24 (second connector element) of the cradle 12 and thechannel 120 (first connector element) of the coupler 16 collectivelyform a connector in the illustrated embodiment. As shown in FIG. 20, thechannel 120 further including open ends 178. The channel 120 is shapedand arranged so that the shoulders 108 of the back cover 24 may beinserted into the channel through either open end 178 of the channel(see, FIG. 19). The upper clasp 110 of the back cover 24 is adapted tosnap over an edge of the channel 120 and thereby secure the male coupler116 to the cradle 12 no matter which way the back cover 24 is insertedinto the channel 120.

Because of the two ways in which the male component 116 of the coupler16 can be attached to the back cover 24 of the cradle 12, the cradle canbe positioned on either side of the surveying equipment to facilitateuse of the geomatics support and data collector D by either aleft-handed (FIG. 2) or right-handed user (FIG. 3). The cradle 12 cansupport the data collector D in an upright, forward facing position nomatter which way it extends from the geomatics support. To release themale component 116 from the back cover 24 of the cradle 12, a thumb tab180 on the upper clasp 110 of the back cover allows the lip 112 to bemoved to a position free of engagement with the channel 120 (FIG. 16).Once the lip 112 is clear of the channel 120, the back cover 24 can beslid out of the male component 116. Thus, it is relatively easy tochange the cradle 12 from a right-handed set up to a left-handed set upor vice versa.

Referring to FIGS. 23-25B, the female component 118 includes a generallytapered body 182 defining an interior chamber 184 sized and shaped forreceiving the shaft of the male component 116, including the stem 124and sleeve 156. A catch 186 including two tabs 188 extends into theinterior chamber 184 of the female component 118 for cooperating withthe groove 170 on the male component 116 to secure the male componentwith respect to the female component. The catch 186 is generallywishbone shaped, comprising two legs 190 and a button 192 located at theapex of the legs. The tabs 188 are located near free ends of the legs190. In the illustrated embodiment, the legs 190, button 192 and tabs188 are formed as one piece of flexible, resilient material (FIG. 24A).The button 192 extends through a hole 194 in the body 182 of the femalecomponent 118 and can be depressed to selectively release the tabs 188from the groove 170 on the male component 116 to thereby allow the malecomponent to be removed from the female component. Two slides 196(broadly, “a release”) that slope downward and away from the interiorchamber 184 of the body 182 of the female component 118 are formed inthe body of the female component so that they engage the tabs 188 of thecatch 186 (FIGS. 25A and 25B). As a result, depression of the button 192causes the tabs 188 to move along the slides 196 away from the interiorchamber 184 to a position free of engagement with the groove 170 in themale component 116. The catch 186 is resiliently deformed in this actionand therefore biased to a shape in which the tabs 188 project into theinterior chamber 184 and engage the groove 170 in the male component116.

Referring to FIGS. 24B and 24C, the male component 116 is adapted forinsertion into the interior chamber 184 of the female component 118 pastthe catch 186 so that the tabs 188 of the catch are received in thegroove 170. Particularly, the sleeve 156 of the male component 116 has abeveled edge 125 adapted to engage the catch 186 during insertion of themale component into the interior chamber 184 of the female component 118and deform the catch (i.e., spread the tabs 188 apart) to permit themale component to pass the catch when being pushed into the interiorchamber (see FIG. 24B). Once inserted, the peripheral rim 158 of thesleeve 156 is arranged generally parallel to the tabs 188 of the catch186 for preventing movement of the male component 116 past the catch ina direction out of the interior chamber 184. In other words, the tabs188 of the catch 186 are received in the groove 170 and secure the malecomponent 116 against axial movement (see FIG. 24).

The female component 118 also includes detents 198 located adjacent anentrance to the interior chamber 184 (FIG. 23) so that when the malecomponent 116 is engaged with the female component, the detents 130, 198intermesh and prevent rotation of the male component 116 with respect tothe female component about the axis of the stem 124 (FIGS. 26A and 26B).However, the male component 116 can be moved axially outward from theinterior chamber 184 of the female component so that the detents 130positioned on the male component 116 are substantially free of thedetents 198 on the female component 118 thereby to allow the malecomponent to be rotated with respect to the female component (FIGS. 27Aand 27B). This can occur without releasing the connection of the maleand female components 116, 118.

By pulling axially outward on the cradle 12, the male component 116,including specifically the stem 124 and housing 122, moves outwardlyfrom the interior chamber 184 of the female component 118. The sleeve156 is held in place against such axial movement by engagement of therim 158 with the tabs 188 of the catch 186. Thus the remainder of themale component 116 (including specifically stem 124) moves axiallyrelative to the sleeve 156 and plug 140, permitting the detents 130, 198to disengage. This movement causes the interior ring 134 of the stem 124to compress the spring 154 against the plug 140 so that the springdevelops a strong force biasing the stem to move back into the interiorchamber 184 of the female component 118 when the pulling force iswithdrawn. As a result, the coupler 16 has a first position wherein thecradle 12 attached to the male component 116 is spaced a first distancefrom the female component 118 and is fixed rotationally relative to thefemale component (FIGS. 26A and 26B), and a second position wherein thecradle is spaced a second distance greater than the first distance fromthe female component and is free to rotate with respect to the femalecomponent (FIGS. 27A and 27B). Thus, the cradle 12 supporting the datacollector D can be easily rotated to a desired angle using one hand andwithout disconnecting it from the clamp 14.

As shown in FIGS. 25A and 25B, the body 182 of the female component 118also includes a back end 200. The back end 200 has four fastening holes202 for receiving fasteners 204 (FIG. 30) for attaching the femalecomponent 118 to the clamp 14. FIG. 28 illustrates the female component118 attached to the clamp 14.

Referring now to FIGS. 28-30, the clamp 14 comprises a rigid clamp body208, an anvil 210, a moveable jaw member 212, and a driver 214 formoving the moveable jaw member in relation to the anvil. The clamp body208 is formed by two body elements 208A, 208B that are connectedtogether. The first body element 208A has a plurality of spacedprotrusions 216 for insertion into one of a plurality of spaced sockets(not shown) formed in the second body element 208B. The clamp body 208defines a channel 218 for receiving the moveable jaw member 212 and forallowing the moveable jaw member to move with respect to the channel.

An end wall 220 of the clamp body 208 has an exterior raised portion 226for insertion into the female component 118 of the coupler 16. The endwall 220 has an interior recessed portion 227 for receiving the anvil210 of the clamp 14 and an edge 229 surrounding the recessed portion.The wall 220 also has four fastener holes 226 for allowing the anvil 210and the clamp body 208 to be fastened to the female component 118 of thecoupler 16. The wall 220 also has another, larger hole 228 for receivingand maintaining the alignment of a screw 230 of the driver 214. A screwreceiving portion 232 of the clamp body 208 has a passageway (not shown)through it for receiving the screw 230. Three fastener apertures 236 arelocated in the screw receiving portion 232 for receiving fasteners 238for securing the clamp body 208 elements together.

The anvil 210 has four fastener holes 240 and a curved, but generallywedge-shaped elastomeric pad 242. The four fastener holes 240 arepositioned for allowing fasteners 204 (e.g., screws) to pass through thefastener holes 226 in the end wall 220 and into the fastener holes 202in the female component 118 of the coupler 16 to secure the anvil 210,clamp body 208, and female component 118 together. The anvil 210 alsoincludes a semicircular recess 244 for allowing the screw 230 of thedriver 214 to pass through the anvil and into the female component 118.The elastomeric pad 242 extends outwardly beyond the edge 229 of theclamp body 208. As a result, the elastomeric pad 242 of the anvil 210and the edge of the clamp body 208 cooperate to define a second jawmember for securing the support in the clamp 14. The second jaw memberis sized and shaped for general conformance to a surface of thegeomatics pole G or tripod T. The pad 242 increases the frictionalengagement of the anvil 210 with the geomatics support to inhibit theclamp 14 from movement with respect to the support.

The jaw member 212 (or “first jaw member”) is moveable relative to theanvil 210 between a secured positioned wherein the jaw and second jawmembers are secured to the geomatics support and an unsecured positionedwherein the clamp 14 can be moved relative to the geomatics support. Thefirst and second jaw members cooperate to define a jaw for securing theclamp 14 to the support. As shown in FIGS. 31A and 31B, the jaw member212 includes an engagement surface sized and shaped for generalconformance to a surface of the geomatics support (in this case, ageomatics pole G). The engagement surface includes a rigid poleengagement surface 246 and an elastomeric pad 248 for engaging thegeomatics pole G in the secured position of the clamp 14. Theelastomeric pad 248 has two pad segments 248A, 248B.

The elastomeric pad segments 248A, 248B have curved surfaces forconformally engaging the pole G while the rigid pole engaging surface246 has a generally rounded surface for engaging in the pole. As aresult, in the unsecured position, the elastomeric pad 248 projectsabove the rigid surface 246 such that when the jaw member 212 is broughtinto contact with the geomatics pole G (or tripod T) the elastomeric pad248 contacts the geomatics pole and the pole is substantially free ofcontact with the rigid surface 246. In the secured position, theelastomeric pad 248 is compressed such that both the elastomeric pad andrigid surface 246 contact the geomatics pole. As a result, the clamp 14grips the pole G more tightly at a relatively low compression.

The jaw member 212 is sized and shaped for being received in the channel218 of the clamp body 208. More particularly, the jaw member 212 hasshoulder members 250 and an arcuate surface 252 for being received inthe channel 218 of the clamp body. Thus, the jaw member 212 is adaptedto slide with respect to the clamp body 208, guided by the channel 218.In addition, the jaw member 212 has an opening 254 with an insert 256positioned in the opening. The insert 256 has interior threads receivingthe screw 230 of the drive 214 and causing movement of the drive to betransferred to the jaw member 212 to thereby move the jaw memberlinearly with respect to the clamp body 208. The jaw member 212 also hasfour holes 258 extending therethrough for allowing a screw driver (notshown) to be inserted through the holes for accessing the fasteners 204securing the anvil 210 and wall 220 of the clamp body 208 to the femalecomponent 118. A bushing 260 is mounted on the screw 230 for use ininhibiting axial movement of the screw relative to the clamp body 208and anvil 210. The bushing 260 and a washer 262 are positioned on thescrew 230 adjacent the screw receiving portion 232 of the clamp body 208(FIG. 30).

The driver 214, as shown in FIGS. 32 and 33, includes a hand grip 264and the screw 230 threadably connected to the jaw member 212. Rotationof the hand grip 264 causes the jaw member 212 to move along the screw230 between the secured and unsecured positions. The driver 214 furthercomprises a torque limiter to inhibit overtightening of the jaw member212 against the geomatics support and thereby prevent damage to thegeomatics support. The torque limiter comprises a clutch interconnectingthe hand grip 264 and the screw 230 that is adapted to permit relativerotation of the hand grip and screw upon encountering resistance in onlyone direction (i.e., clockwise) corresponding to moving the jaw member212 toward the secured position.

The clutch has a first clutch element 266 fixed to the screw 230 and asecond clutch element 268 mounting the hand grip 264 and supported bythe first clutch element for axial translation relative to the firstclutch element between a drive position in which the first and secondclutch elements are interlocked for conjoint rotation (FIGS. 34 and 35)and a release position in which the second clutch element rotatesrelative to the first clutch element (FIGS. 36 and 37). The first andsecond clutch elements 266, 268 are formed with inclined teeth 270, 272that drivingly engage each other in the drive position and disengageeach other in the release position. The teeth 270, 272 are generallysawtooth shaped to provide greater resistence to relative rotation ofthe first and second clutch elements 266, 268 in a first direction (i.e.counterclockwise) than in a second, opposite direction (i.e.,clockwise).

The first clutch element 266 of the driver includes a head 274 havingflanged ends 276 fixed to the screw 230 for conjoint rotation therewith.The first clutch element 266 also includes a threaded insert 296(broadly, “connector”) for connecting the first clutch element to thescrew 230. The second clutch element 268 includes a sleeve 278 with afree end 280 and a flanged end 282. The grip 264 that bears against thesleeve 278 and head 274 for rotation of the screw 230 up to a thresholdtorque. Specifically, the flanged end 282 of the sleeve 278 and one ofthe flanged ends 276 of the head 274 have the inclined teeth 270, 272that drivingly engage each other. The hand grip 264 is resilientlydeformable so that upon reaching the threshold torque the grip isdeformed thereby allowing the sleeve 276 to axially move with respect tothe head 274 (see, FIG. 36). The deformed handgrip 264 is shown inphantom in FIG. 36. As a result, the teeth 272 of the flanged end 282 ofthe sleeve 278 pass over the teeth 270 of the flanged end 276 of thehead 274 (FIGS. 36 and 37), which allows the grip 264 and sleeve 278 torotate relative to the head and screw. Thus, the threshold torque isdirectly proportional to the resiliency of the grip 264.

The grip 264 has an outer cylindrical wall 284 and an inner cylindricalwall 286 defining a passage 288 through the grip. The outer cylinderwall 284 is undulating to form an easy-to-grip surface. The grip 264also has two sides 290 (i.e, ends) extending between the outer and innerwalls 284, 286. Each side 290 has a recess 292 adjacent the inner wall286 that is sized and shaped for receiving the flange end 276 of thesleeve 278 in one of the recesses, and a washer 294 in the other recess.The washer 294 has an inner diameter greater than the outer diameter ofthe sleeve 278 so that the free end 280 of the sleeve can pass throughthe inner diameter of the washer when the sleeve is moved axially.

In use, a portion of an object, such as a geomatics support, is placedin the clamp body 208 of the clamp 14 such that the first and second jawmembers are disposed on opposite sides of the support. Next, the handgrip 264 of the driver 214 is rotated in a clockwise direction to movethe jaw member 212 via the screw 230 from an unsecured position to asecured position wherein the support is secured between the jaw members.The wedge-shaped elastomeric pad 242 of the anvil 210 and the edge 229of the clamp body 208 are generally sized and shaped to conform to thesurface of the support as the first jaw member 212 moves the supportagainst the second jaw member. As the support is pushed by the jawmember 212 against the elastomeric pad 242 of the anvil 210, theelastomeric pad 242 is compressed so that the rigid edge 229 of theclamp body 208 contacts the support. In the unsecured position, theelastomeric pad segments 248A, 248B of the jaw member 212 contact thesupport while the rigid surface 246 of the jaw member is substantiallyfree of contact with the support. As the jaw member 212 is tightenedagainst the support to the secured position, the elastomeric pad 248 iscompressed such that both the elastomeric pad and rigid surface 246contact the support to securely mount the clamp on the support. Thus,the stress applied to the support by the clamp 14 is applied over alarge surface area of the support.

As stated above, the torque limiter of the driver 214 inhibitsovertightening of the jaw member 212 against the support and therebyprevents damage to the geomatics support. In the drive position,rotation of the hand grip 264 causes rotation of the first and secondclutch element 266, 268 of the torque limiter and the screw 230 tothereby move the jaw member 212. In this position, the handgrip side 290is undeformed (as shown in phantom in FIG. 34) and inclined teeth 270,272 of the first and second clutch elements 266, 268 drivingly engageeach other (FIG. 35). The biasing force applied by the hand grip 264against the flanged end 282 of the sleeve 278 keeps the teeth 272 fromriding up the incline of teeth 270. Upon reaching the threshold torque,the sides 290 of the hand grip 264 resiliently deform (as indicated bythe arrows shown in FIG. 36) so that teeth 272 of the second clutchelement 268 ride up and pass over the teeth 270 of the first clutchelement 266 thereby causing the sleeve 276 to move axially with respectto the head 274 (FIGS. 36 and 37). As a result, the grip 264 and sleeve278 rotate relative to the head and screw to inhibit further tighteningof the jaw member 212 against the support. It will be understood a handgrip could be used in other configurations to limit the torque that canbe applied.

To release the clamp 14 from the support, the hand grip 264 is rotatedin a counterclockwise direction to move the jaw member away from theanvil 210 and the support. The teeth 270, 272 of the first and secondclutch elements 266, 268 remain drivingly engaged with each other whenthe hand grip 264 is rotated counterclockwise because the engagingsurfaces of the teeth are perpendicular to the direction of rotation. Inother words, the torque limiter only works when tightening the clamp 14(i.e., when the hand grip 264 is rotated in a clockwise direction).

The various components of the mount system 10, excluding the insert 256,bushing 260, and screw 230, are molded from plastic. It is understoodhowever that the components can be formed from other materials withoutdeparting from the scope of this invention. “Electrical”, as used hereinincludes electric and other types of devices.

When introducing elements of the present invention or the preferredembodiment(s) thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” areintended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms“comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive andmean that there may be additional elements other than the listedelements. The use of terms indicating a particular orientation (e.g.,“top”, “bottom”, “side”, etc.) is for convenience of description anddoes not require and particular orientation of the item described.

As various changes could be made in the above constructions withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention, it is intended that allmatter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanyingdrawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limitingsense.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cradle for a handheld electrical device havinga front, a back, a bottom, a top and sides, the cradle comprising: abase constructed to support the device such that the device can befreely placed on and removed from the base; at least one arm operativelyconnected to the base for movement relative to the base and the devicewhen supported on the base; and a slide actuator operable to move thearm relative to the base back and forth between a release positionwherein the arm is spaced from the device, allowing the device to befreely removed from and placed on the base, and a hold position whereinthe arm is closer to the device for engaging and holding the device inthe cradle.
 2. A cradle as set forth in claim 1 further comprisinganother arm operatively mounted on the base for movement relative to thebase, the arms being disposed generally on opposite sides of the devicewhen supported by the base, in the release position the arms beingspaced apart from each other a first distance and in the hold positionthe arms being spaced apart from each other a second distance less thanthe first distance.
 3. A cradle as set forth in claim 2 wherein the armsare shaped so that in the release position no portion of either arm isdisposed opposite the front or back of the device, and in the holdposition portions of the arms are arranged in a position opposite to thefront of the device.
 4. A cradle as set forth in claim 1 wherein saidarm comprises a finger projecting outwardly therefrom.
 5. A cradle asset forth in claim 1 wherein the actuator is adapted to move said armlinearly between the release and hold positions.
 6. A cradle as setforth in claim 5 wherein the actuator is movable linearly along the baseto move said arm between the release and hold positions.
 7. A cradle asset forth in claim 6 wherein the movement of said arm is generallyorthogonal to the movement of the actuator.
 8. A cradle as set forth inclaim 1 wherein said base comprises a retainer projecting outwardly fromthe base and arranged for supporting at least a bottom of the device. 9.A cradle as set forth in claim 8 wherein the retainer is also arrangedto engage sides of the device to restrain lateral movement of the devicewith respect to the base.
 10. A cradle as set forth in claim 8 whereinthe retainer is discontinuous, comprising a bottom flange and at leasttwo opposing flanges.
 11. A cradle as set forth in claim 1 furthercomprising a mount for mounting the cradle on an object.
 12. A cradle asset forth in claim 11 wherein the object has opposite sides and saidmount is adapted to mount the cradle to the object such that the cradlecan be positioned on either side of the object to facilitate use of theelectronic device by either a left handed or right handed user.
 13. Acradle as set forth in claim 11 further comprising a coupler releasablyconnecting the mount to the base.
 14. A cradle as set forth in claim 13wherein the coupler includes a push button release for releasing themount from the base.
 15. A cradle as set forth in claim 14 wherein thecoupler is adapted to allow rotation of the base with respect to themount while remaining attached to the mount such that the angle at whichthe electronic device is supported by the base can be changed.
 16. Acradle as set forth in claim 15 wherein the coupler comprises a firstset of detents, said mount including a second set of detents forselectively engaging with said first set of detents to inhibit rotationof the base with respect to the mount, the coupler being moveable to aposition where said first set of detents is substantially free ofengagement with the second set of detents for allowing rotation of thebase with respect to the mount.
 17. A cradle a set forth in claim 16wherein said sets of detents are biased toward the engaged position.